PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, EXERCISE, AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS FOR WEIGHT CONTROL IN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

The purpose of this paper was to review the physical activity, exercise, and nutrition related weight control interventions done with African American women that were published between 2006 and 2010 and suggest ways of enhancing these interventions. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review found significant results with regard to impact of intervention. Twelve of those studies revealed significant increase in physical activity and weight reduction behavior. In terms of use of theory in designing the interventions only five interventions used a theory. In three of those cases social cognitive theory was used. Appropriate sample size was found to be the major strength of most of the interventions. Six interventions used randomized controlled design. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in African American women are presented